Retail Roundup—Etsy expands in Germany; Bluefly gains more sellers

Walmart hires design executive

Walmart took another giant digital step by hiring Valerie Casey as head of design, the first time a design executive has been in an officer-level position. The hiring of Casey demonstrates the company's commitment to digital retailing. (Media Post)

Bluefly rapidly gains more sellers

Online fashion marketplace Bluefly partners with Mirakl Marketplace Platform to rapidly increase its seller network. Working together, Bluefly plans to expand their marketplace from 250 partners to over 1,000 in the next 18 to 24 months. (BusinessWire)

Etsy expands in central Europe

Etsy will welcome DaWanda buyers and sellers to its marketplace as the Germany-based e-commerce site plans to wind down its operations by August 30, 2018. Etsy has been nurturing its community in Germany through investments in marketing and technology and is excited to expand its reach within the country and Central Europe to drive global growth. (Etsy)

More travel, less spending this July 4

Due to the mid-week holiday, consumers are planning on taking off extra days from work and travel will be up 5% from last year. But while 31 million people will travel, spending on parties and supplies is expected to be down from last year. (Media Post)